The state forest is also a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers and provides for various habitats for many wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse and turkey.

In the 1930s, Phillips Creek State Forest was the site of many work projects carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps or CCC. The CCC, established by the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, provided employment opportunities for young men during the depression. CCC projects included the construction of roads and the planting of thousands of pine and spruce trees in the open areas on the property.

Featured Activities

Foot bridge over stream on Trail 4 of the Phillips Creek Trail
System for hikers and skiers with by-pass for horses.

Hunting and trapping are allowed on the property. Campers can set up in the Route 244 parking area and also at the log landings that have been graveled for vehicle access. Permanent tree stands and ATVs are prohibited. Be sure to abide by all game laws.

In addition to the Route 244 parking area and horse stall facility at Phillips Creek, the neighboring Turnpike State Forest has a horse stall facility on Stewart Forest Road which is a central hub for a 28-mile horse trail network. This network connects Phillips Creek, Turnpike and Palmer's Pond State Forest. Many additional miles of connecting state forest roads and lightly traveled town roads are also used by equestrians. Trails are only open for horses between June 1 and September 30.

At-large backcountry camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

From Interstate 86, take exit 32 (West Almond) and head west on Karr Valley Road for 0.4 miles. Turn left onto South Road and follow this road for 3.5 miles, then turn left onto Route 244. Continue for 1.4 miles. The parking area will be immediately on the left.

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum. Besides the parking area listed below, roadside parking is also available at points throughout the property.

How We Manage Phillips Creek State Forest

DEC is developing a management plan which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

Timber Management

Conifer - The stands of pine and spruce were planted in old farm fields as they need open areas with direct sunlight to thrive. They are usually managed by a series of partial harvest thinnings. These thinnings provide openings of sunlight to encourage natural regeneration of native hardwoods. The removal of the conifer overstory in the final harvest allows the hardwood seedlings to grow to maturity.

Hardwood - Hardwood trees are not usually planted as they spread vast amounts of seed and regenerate naturally. Periodic thinning of the forest through the sale of forest products gives the residual trees more growing space. This helps to keep the forest healthy and provides openings for new seedlings, a revolving supply of food and cover for wildlife, and a source of future crop trees. Some stands will contain large trees, giving an illusion of old growth, but in almost all cases these stands have been harvested prior to state ownership.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Gas, food and other supplies, dining opportunities, and lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Alfred Station and Angelica.

Allegany County Tourism (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guide books and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.